Ontario, CA -- In a competition featuring the world's elite skateboarders, Nyjah Huston won the second stop of the 2012 Street League DC Pro Tour Saturday in front of a packed house at the Citizens Business Bank Arena. Huston continued his dominance of the skateboard series by taking a second straight finals win and another $150,000 in prize money.
At only 17-years-old, Huston has proven himself to be an unstoppable force in contest skating. Huston has won six out of the nine total Street League events, and has taken home $1.1 million in contest earnings.
Because he competes against such prolific skateboarders as Chris Cole and Paul Rodriguez, the question must be asked: How does Huston continue to dominate each Street League contest?
The obvious answer would be Huston’s undeniable talent. His wide array of tricks gives him an advantage in every section of the contest. After leading in the Run section, Huston landed an amazing Caballerial Kickflip Backside Lip Slide for a score of 9.8 and was given the Best Trick Award.
Although he appears to be peerless, Huston’s fellow skateboarders’ skills should not be dismissed.
Defending Champion Sean Malto often found himself defending the top spot during the final event. Malto landed a Nollie Frontside Crooked Grind and Backside Noseblunt Slide on the big Hubba ledge during the Big Section. On his last attempt, he bailed on a Frontside Shove It to Nose Grind, and walked away with third place.
Chaz Ortiz had the best chance to knock Huston out of first place. He executed an outstanding Kickflip Backside Tail Slide to Backside Flip Out in the Best Trick section and received a 9.0 score.
During the Big Section, Ortiz battled with Malto and Huston for the top spot with a Backside Tail Slide to Big Spin Out. The 18-year-old had one last attempt to jump to first place, but could not land a trick to secure the 7.6 score needed to best Huston.
At Street League Ontario, the diverse group of talented skaters undoubtedly challenged Huston’s skill set. However, a pro’s set of tricks is not the sole answer to success at a Street League contest.
Rob Dyrdek’s evolved skate contest series has required pro skateboarders to not only perform their best tricks, but also to do so in front of a roaring arena crowd and the millions watching on live television. The instant scoring technology also adds an element of drama with the event’s winner often being decided by a single trick.
“You’re scaring the hell out of yourself,” said Sean Malto, as he described the series atmosphere. “It’s almost like a rollercoaster, you know. You get really scared. But once you do it and you’re done, you’re like ‘Oh that was so fun!’”
While pros attempt to adjust, Huston seems to thrive in this environment. With the crowd at its feet and first place on the line, Huston has shown he has the “clutch” factor to perform extraordinary tricks in “buzzer beater” scenarios, while maintaining his usual calm and collected demeanor.
Able to overcome any physical or psychological obstacles, Huston will remain a force to be reckoned with at upcoming Street League events for many years to come.
By Jean Ortiz-Luis
Contributing Writer for The Daily Sports Herald
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